The Blue Mountains Summer School Holidays 2022 / 2023 are almost here, can you believe it? Students in NSW will be on Summer school holidays from Monday 19 December 2022, so we have collated a huge bunch of exciting Summer school holiday activities and events that are happening in and around the Blue Mountains, all in one easy place!
From Christmas events and markets, the best spots to cool off with the kids on a hot Summer’s day, to workshops and performances, your family will have plenty to do these school holidays with our ultimate guide in hand.
Click on the quick links below or scroll down to view the full Blue Mountains Summer School Holidays Activities Guide.
Blue Mountains Summer School Holidays Activities Guide 2022 / 2023
Kids Can Act Drama Studio – Fabulous fun and creative drama classes in Springwood.
Art Workshops For 6 Months – 16 Years – Get creative these holidays at the Joan.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Junior Ranger Program – a fun orienteering tour at Blackheath.
Aboriginal Games For Kids, Blackheath – Kids will learn to play a range of Aboriginal games at the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre.
Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum – See Santa arrive on a steam train and ride a heritage tram!
iFLY Sydney West – Cool down this Summer in the tunnel!
Summit To Sea Adventure Group – a 3 day Occupational Therapy outdoor adventure for teens and tweens aged 12 – 17.
Playspace Pop Up Cafe Emu Plains – Coffee, cake and play this January!
Blue Mountains Library Summer Reading Challenge – Win book vouchers by reading this Summer!
Blue Mountains Christmas Markets – Enjoy shopping locally this Christmas.
Water Play In And Around The Blue Mountains – Discover 31 Spots To Cool Off This Summer.
What’s On For Christmas In The Blue Mountains 2022 – Local community carols and events.
Wascoe Siding – Ride miniature trains in Blaxland on December 5!
Blue Mountains Library School Holiday Creative Workshops – Art and craft workshops for ages 5 – 18.
MYST Blue Mountains School Holiday Fun Celebrating High School – loads of fun with swim time, activities and a BBQ Lunch provided.
Kids Can Act
Drama Studio
FABULOUS FUN AND CREATIVE WORKSHOPS FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES
Kids Can Act Holiday Workshops are a great introduction to drama and a great way to meet new friends.
The kids will enjoy a fun day full of creativity where they will unleash their imagination, create new characters, and learn the art of storytelling not to mention the science and art activities!
It’s a fabulous way to develop confidence and creativity and help the shy and anxious child get over their nerves in a fun and fabulous way!
The workshops explore all aspects of theatre as we make a show together. Students participate in developing ideas for scenes, characters, scripts, costumes, props and set design.
Why not let the kids make new friends, exercise their imaginations, and nurture their creativity whilst you do what you need to get done?
WHEN: Thursday 22 & Friday 23 December 2022; Thursday 19 & Friday 20 January 2023 between 9:30am – 2:30pm.
WHERE: Springwood
SUITED FOR: Kids 4 – 16 years
COST: $120 – $130. If you use your Creative Kids Voucher $20 – $30
HOW TO BOOK: Book on the website or call Cathie on 0414475158 for further information.
WEBSITE
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook
Art Workshops For
6 Months – 16 Years
GET CREATIVE THESE
HOLIDAYS AT THE JOAN
Budding artists can get creative these School Holidays with a range of fun painting, collage and clay workshops inspired by Penrith Regional Gallery’s current exhibition Undercurrents. Explore rivers, rain clouds and aquatic animals through an exciting collection of art mediums.
These holidays we are relocating all our art workshops to The Joan while our studios are repaired. Your favourite facilitators from the Gallery will see you there!
WHEN: 16 – 25 January 2023
WHERE: Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, 597 High Street, Penrith (Click here)
SUITED FOR: Ages 6 months – 16 years
COST: $15 – $35 per workshop
HOW TO BOOK: Book via the Gallery’s website here (classes released for sale on Monday 28/11) or call (02) 4735 1100
WEBSITE
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Instagram, #penrithregionalgallery
Become a NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Junior Ranger!
A FUN ORIENTEERING TOUR FOR
CHILDREN 8 – 14 YEARS
Become a Junior Ranger this school holidays, on this fun orienteering tour at Blackheath. You’ll learn some useful navigation skills along the way.
Come along on this 2hr exploratory adventure at the heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park.
Walking alongside an NPWS Discovery Ranger, you’ll navigate the picturesque Grose Wilderness, while learning some important bushwalking skills, like how to read a map and how to use a compass.
Once we’ve mastered the basics, your ranger will put your skills to the test!
WHEN: Thursday 5, Tuesday 10 & 17 and Wednesday 25 January 2023, 10am to 12pm. Meet at 9.45am.
WHERE: Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, Blackheath, 270 Govett’s Leap Road, Blackheath NSW 2785 (View Map).
SUITED FOR: A medium grade guided class. Recommended for children 8 to 14 years old. You will go on a short hike with some stairs and uneven ground.
COST: Child $20 per person. Adults free.
HOW TO BOOK: Bookings are required. Phone 1300 072 757 for more information or book online.
WEBSITE
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
Aboriginal Games
For Kids
FUN ABORIGINAL GAMES FOR
CHILDREN 7 – 11 YEARS
Looking for a fun-filled kids’ activity these school holidays? Learn to play a range of Aboriginal games at the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, near Blackheath.
WHEN: Tuesday 3, Monday 9, Wednesday 18 and Tuesday 24 January 2023. 10am to 12pm. Meet at 9.45am.
WHERE: Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, Blackheath, 270 Govett’s Leap Road, Blackheath NSW 2785 (View Map).
SUITED FOR: Recommended for children 7 to 11 years.
COST: Child $20 per person. Adults free.
HOW TO BOOK: Bookings are required. Phone 1300 072 757 for more information or book online.
WEBSITE
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum
SEE SANTA ARRIVE BY STEAM TRAIN!
See Santa arrive at the Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum aboard a Heritage Train at 10am or 1pm on the 3rd, 4th, 10th & 11th of December. Visit in December and travel on a rare working steam tram which will huff and puff as it takes you back to the beginnings of Sydney’s public transport history and brings Santa to visit.
Enjoy the rattle as you run up and down in the train or tram carriage, on the dedicated track for a 15 minute ride*, straight out of the 1890s! (*Subject to operational factors e.g. adverse weather, breakdown, crew/rolling stock unavailability etc.)
WHEN: 10am & 1pm on Saturday 3 December; Sunday 4 December; Saturday 10 December; and Sunday 11 December 2022.
WHERE: Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum, 17b Tusculum Road, Valley Heights, NSW 2777 (map).
SUITED FOR: All welcome
COST: Adults: $16; Seniors, Pensioner & Student Concession: $14
Children (aged 5 – 16 incl): $12; Children (under 5): FREE; Family: $50 (includes: 2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children).
HOW TO BOOK: Online. Bookings are essential via TryBooking. Booking fees apply. Contact 0414 764 178 for more details.
WEBSITE
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook
iFLY Sydney West
JUMP IN THE TUNNEL TO
COOL DOWN THIS SUMMER!
Summer is here and it’s gonna be a hot one. With the school holidays coming up, there’s no activity more exciting and unforgettable than indoor skydiving!
WHEN: Mon – Fri 9am – 8.30pm, Sat 8am – 8.30pm, Sun 8am – 7.30pm
WHERE: Panthers Penrith Rugby Leagues Club Precinct 123 Mulgoa Rd, Penrith NSW 2750. View map.
SUITED FOR: Anyone aged 3+
COST: From $88 for group packages. Birthday parties and sport taster sessions are also available. See website for details.
HOW TO BOOK: Online, ph: 1300 435 966, e: info.pen@ifly.com.au
WEBSITE
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, iFLY Oz Instagram
Summit To Sea Adventure Group
A 3 DAY OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
FOR TWEENS & TEENS AGED 12 – 17
Summit To Sea is a 3 day outdoor adventure program run by experienced Occupational Therapists at Zoom Therapy Services, Wentworth Falls. Their groups are run across various locations in the Blue Mountains, connecting with local operators to access specialised activities. They hike, climb, paddle and use adventure as the vehicle for regulation, connection and lots of fun.
The team at Zoom Therapy Services is passionate about all individuals feeling safe, seen, heard and valued as they engage in days of adventures and fun, all in a supportive peer environment.
All activities and experiences are tailored to enhance the natural settings as you play and explore. The power of nature is used to support regulation, engagement, connection and safety.
WHEN: Saturday 21 January – Wednesday 25 January 2023
WHERE: Various locations across the Blue Mountains
SUITED FOR: For teens and tweens aged 12 – 17 years.
HOW TO BOOK: Email Meagan at: zoomtherapyservices@gmail.com for more information.
WEBSITE
Playspace Pop Up Cafe Emu Plains
COFFEE, CAKE, PLAY, ENJOY!
POP UP PLAY SPACE FOR KIDS IN JANUARY
Come and enjoy barista coffee & relax while the kids play! A great way to meet other parents of young children and meet some of our Jump & Jive families.
Our play area is enclosed and safe. Activities and games will be available for pre-schoolers and primary school children.
WHEN: Wednesday 11, 18 & 25 January 2023, 9am – 11am
WHERE: Emu Plains Anglican Church, 26 Short Street, Emu Plains NSW 2750 (map).
SUITED FOR: Families with young children up to primary school.
COST: Gold coin donation
HOW TO BOOK: No need to register – just come along!
Blue Mountains Library
Summer Reading Challenge
READ AND WIN THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS!
Read great books over Summer, record them on your reading logsheet and earn book vouchers.
When you have read 20 books and submitted your logsheet you will receive, via mail, a $5.00 book voucher to redeem from Megalong Books, Leura or Turning Page, Springwood. There is a limit of 4 vouchers per participant. Vouchers must be redeemed at either bookstore by 31 March 2023.
If you complete more than four logsheets during the Summer Reading Challenge you will go in the draw to win a $50 book voucher to redeem from Megalong Books, Leura or Turning Page Springwood, and the opportunity to select 3 books to add to the Blue Mountains Library collection.
Logsheets will be available to pick from Blue Mountains Library branches or to download from 1 December 2022.
These Summer School Holidays, the Blue Mountains Library’s eLibrary is always open. It provides FREE online entertainment and information options including eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, streaming movies and documentaries on Beamafilm, Creative Corner Online, eLearning games, fantastic At-Home Activities for kids and a wonderful Storybox Library.
WHEN: The Blue Mountains Library Summer Reading Challenge runs from Thursday 1 December 2022 until Tuesday 31 January 2023. Logsheets can be submitted to any of the Blue Mountains branches when open or via email src@bmcc.nsw.gov.au by 31 January 2023.
SUITED FOR: Summer Reading Challenge suitable for 0 – 18 years
COST: FREE
CONTACT: bmlibrary@bmcc.nsw.gov.au
WEBSITE: https://library.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr
Blue Mountains Christmas Markets
ENJOY SHOPPING LOCALLY THIS CHRISTMAS
Discover local Christmas markets happening this December as well as many other wonderful local markets throughout the Blue Mountains.
Water Play In And Around
The Blue Mountains
31 SPOTS TO COOL OFF THIS SUMMER!
Are you looking for ways to keep your family cool this Summer? Where can you find water play fun in and around the Blue Mountains that is free or low cost? We have found 31 perfect spots to cool off this Summer. Check out the best places in and around the Blue Mountains to take your family this Summer for water fun.
FIND OUT MORE
What’s On For Christmas
In The Blue Mountains 2022
LOCAL COMMUNITY CAROLS AND EVENTS
End the year with joy, hope and jubilation with one of these local Christmas events. Christmas in the Blue Mountains 2022 features community carol events, late night shopping in the Blue Mountains, Christmas church services, gingerbread decorating and other special events and activities for the whole community to enjoy.
Wascoe Siding, Blaxland
RIDE A MINIATURE TRAIN ON DECEMBER 5
Wascoe Siding Miniature Railway, Blaxland, is a Blue Mountains school holiday classic. Riding the miniature trains at Wascoe Siding is a fun and unique family activity in the lower Blue Mountains, suitable for all ages. Learn about steam engines from local miniature railway experts and create wonderful memories at the historic Wascoe Siding Minature Railway.
WHEN: Sunday 5 December 2022.
WHERE: 15 Grahame Street, Blaxland NSW 2774 (map).
SUITED FOR: Primary aged children aged 5 – 12 years
COST: Train ride tickets are for up to 4 people per carriage (purchase one ticket for $15). Entry Fees: Children up to 3 years: FREE; Ages 4 to 16 years: $2; Ages 17+: $5; Pensioners/concession holders: $2.
HOW TO BOOK: Train ride tickets are only available on the day from our ticket office – no bookings are required for train tickets. Book online for undercover table bookings; Contact: wascoesiding@gmail.com
WEBSITE
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook
Blue Mountains Library School Holiday Workshops
ART AND CRAFT WORKSHOPS FOR STUDENTS AGED 5 TO 18
Blue Mountains City Library is excited to offer workshops for kids during the Spring school holidays! View these exciting activities here on the Library’s website.
WHEN & WHERE: Katoomba, Springwood and Blaxland Libraries
SUITED FOR: Students from Kindergarten to 18 years
COST: Free or low cost / $6 per session
HOW TO BOOK: Online
CONTACT: bmlibrary@bmcc.nsw.gov.au
WEBSITE
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr
MYST Blue Mountains School Holiday Fun Celebrating High School
GREE FUN ACTIVITIES FOR ALL YOUNG PEOPLE STARTING HIGH SCHOOL IN 2023
Going to High School next year? Then come along and celebrate this amazing milestone with old friends as well as meet some new ones at our fun school holiday outings. There will be loads of fun with swim time, activities and a BBQ Lunch provided.
WHEN: 23 (Glenbrook) & 24 (Katoomba) January 2023, 10am – 3pm
WHERE: 23 January 2023 – Glenbrook Pool, Fletcher St & Wascoe Street, Glenbrook NSW 2773 (map).
24th January 2023 – Katoomba Pool, Catalina Ave, Katoomba NSW 2780 (map).
COST: FREE
HOW TO BOOK: Online. Places for each event are limited so book early to avoid missing out.
CONTACT: For further details contact Paige at 0490347 778 or paige@myst.com.au
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook
We hope that our Blue Mountains Summer School Holidays Activities Guide gives you plenty of inspiration for the holidays. We wish you all a safe, happy and memorable Christmas and Summer holiday and look forward to sharing more family friendly activities in the Blue Mountains with you next year.
